Programme Overview

The SA Sailing National Judges Programme is designed to bring Judges who hold a Regional Judges certificate to a level that they can be certified as National Judge and importantly be used as a refresher for current Nationally Accredited Judges. Attendance of the formal refresher workshop is a pre-requisite when renewing any Judging certificate.

This programme forms part of the formal SA Sailing Race Officer’s framework and is the final formal training for SA Sailing Certificated Judges. The programme is made up of theory-based pre-Seminar assignments, along with either an in personal/remote Seminar and practical experience with RRS 42 compliance. Accreditation is valid for 4 years.

Programme Prerequisites

Technical competencies

• Have a working knowledge of the RRS, with a sound understanding of the Definitions & Part 2

Rules, and be able to judge RRS 42 (Propulsion) compliance in terms of RRS Appendix P.

• Be familiar with the structure of the Rule Book - be able to locate the various rules.
• Be familiar with RRS Appendices J, KG & LG (Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions).
• Be able to conduct and write up a hearing - protest, redress, reopening, misconduct - in compliance with RRS Appendix M (Recommendations for Protest Committees) and the relevant rules.
• Be familiar with the structure of World Sailing’s Case Book and be able to locate cases relevant to specific rules/situations.

General competencies

• Have significant racing experience, and preferably still be racing actively.
• Be proficient in the English language, and able to interpret and apply complex rules.
• Consistently exercise sound judgement.
• Display the temperament and behaviour expected of a race official.
• Be committed to their ongoing development as a sailing judge.

Programme Format

• Candidate must attend a SA Sailing Judges Seminar, having completed all pre-Seminar assignments, participate to the instructors’ satisfaction, and pass the Judges Test with 75% or more.
• Undergo on-the-water training in judging RRS 42 compliance.
• Serve on protest committees for at least 3 hearings, preferably in person but remotely if necessary, and participate to the protest committee chairman’s satisfaction.

Resources

The following resources may be downloaded at no cost from the World Sailing Website:

1. Racing Rules of Sailing
2. Case Book
3. Q&A Booklet
4. Interpretations of Rule 42, Propulsion
5. Misconduct Guidance
6. Preferred Standard Wording
7. Judges Manual

Programme Outcome

The successful candidate will be able to officiate at National, Regional, Club or District competitions.

On completion, the successful candidate will be awarded a SA Sailing National Judge Certificate, which is valid for 4 years.

Programme evaluation

Candidates will be assessed with on the water judging on RRS 42 compliance and must pass the written judges test with 75% or higher.

Reaccreditation

Previously appointed National Judges shall need to comply with the following to obtain reaccreditation before the date of certificate expiry: -

• Attend a SA Sailing Judges Seminar at least every 4 years, having completed all pre-Seminar assignments, participate satisfactorily, and pass the Judges Test, OR
• Complete the remote reaccreditation program satisfactorily at least every 4 years, and pass the  Judges Test.